Phibro's decision to set up shop in Sligo 'can only help to make other large international companies aware of what the region has to offer. That's according to TD Tony McLoughlin.

Speaking at the announcement in The Glasshouse on Thursday morning, Deputy McLoughlin said: "I am particularly pleased that Phibro chose Sligo for their first bio-logical manufacturing location in Europe. I say this because, a company with such a large international standing choosing Sligo, can only help to make other large international companies aware of what Sligo and Northwest has to offer.

"This really has been a fantastic few weeks for Sligo with major jobs announcements from Abtran, E3 Retail, and Live Tiles, showing how the county is benefiting from both indigenous and FDI (Foreign Direct investment)."

McLoughlin went on to say that developments at IT Sligo has assisted in attracting new business to Sligo.

"We have developed our education system to produce more quality graduates for our growing high-tech sectors. The Government is helping to drive interest in Science and in the STEM area to ensure that we can supply the skilled staff which the Life Sciences sector needs. Developments at IT Sligo are clear evidence of this approach and I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge the good work been undertaken by the President of IT Sligo Dr. Brendan McCormack in assisting in the efforts to attract new companies to Sligo.

"Through funding for Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, the Government has helped create world class Research and Innovation Centres. We have a commitment to Innovation to drive us further up the value chain and we are offering strong incentives for Research and Development.

"Our efforts to attract FDI are aided, of course, by the fact that Ireland has a great offering for investors.

* Our talented workforce remains one of the best in the world.

* Our reputation as a great place to do business is becoming more renowned with each passing year.

* And our proven track record as a home for decades to many global businesses is a source of continued confidence to investors."